Drug Possession Attorney in Phoenix
Your Defense Against Drug Charges in Maricopa County
Facing drug possession charges can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. At The Koplow Law Firm, we offer dedicated legal support to help you navigate the complexities of drug possession law in Phoenix, AZ.
With the knowledgeable background of Lawrence Koplow, a former prosecutor, you benefit from a comprehensive understanding of both sides of the courtroom, which gives you a strategic advantage when choosing a drug possession lawyer in Phoenix.
Contact a dedicated Phoenix drug possession lawyer at (602) 560-7837 or fill out this online form—I offer a 1-on-1 relationship.
Understanding Drug Possession Laws in Arizona
Arizona takes a tough stance on controlled substances. Under Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 13-3407, § 13-3408, and § 13-3415, among others, it is illegal to knowingly possess or use a controlled substance. However, the exact charge and potential penalties depend heavily on the type and amount of substance involved.
Types of Drug Crimes Related to Possession
It's crucial to understand the distinction between the different categories of drug possession charges, as this fundamentally determines your legal exposure.
- Simple Possession for Personal Use: This is generally the least severe charge, covering possession of smaller amounts of certain drugs. The law typically differentiates between possession and possession for sale.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (A.R.S. § 13-3415): This separate charge is often filed alongside simple drug possession. It covers possessing items used for manufacturing, injecting, or consuming controlled substances. This is a Class 6 felony in Arizona.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute (A.R.S. § 13-3408): This is a much more serious felony charge. The prosecutor doesn't need to prove you sold the drugs; they only need to prove that based on the quantity, packaging, or other circumstantial evidence, your intent was to sell or transport the substance. This is where having a skilled Phoenix drug possession lawyer is absolutely critical.
- Possession of Precursor Chemicals: While not direct possession of a drug, possessing chemicals used to manufacture drugs (e.g., methamphetamine) is a severe felony under A.R.S. § 13-3404.
Steps from Arrest to Resolution for Drug Possession
Facing a drug charge in Phoenix involves a series of legal steps that require careful attention and timely action. From the moment of arrest to the potential resolution of your case, each stage carries risks and opportunities. Working with a skilled drug possession lawyer in Phoenix ensures that your rights are protected, evidence is scrutinized, and alternatives like diversion programs are fully explored within the Maricopa County court system.
Key stages in Phoenix drug possession cases:
- Arrest and Booking – Typically handled by the Phoenix Police Department or Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies, followed by fingerprinting and initial processing.
- Arraignment – A formal court appearance where charges are read, and bail or release conditions are determined.
- Pretrial Conferences – Meetings where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors, discusses plea options, and evaluates possible defenses.
- Diversion or Drug Court Consideration – Early opportunities for first-time or non-violent offenders to pursue treatment-based alternatives instead of conviction.
- Discovery and Motion Practice – Your lawyer reviews evidence, challenges unlawful searches, and files motions to suppress or dismiss improper evidence.
- Trial in Maricopa County Superior Court – If the case is not resolved, both sides present evidence and arguments before a judge or jury.
- Resolution and Sentencing – Outcomes may include dismissal, plea agreements, diversion programs, or sentencing if convicted.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Possession Convictions in Arizona
Drug possession convictions in Arizona can carry extremely harsh penalties, particularly when the amount involved exceeds the statutory threshold. Beyond prison time and steep fines, individuals may face long-term collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, and future opportunities. Understanding the full scope of potential penalties is critical when defending against these charges.
Direct Penalties
- Class 6 Felony (Possession, Non-Dangerous) – 0.5 to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 plus surcharges.
- Class 4 Felony (Possession for Sale) – 1 to 3.75 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000 plus surcharges.
- Mandatory Prison Sentences – When amounts exceed Arizona’s threshold limits for certain drugs, defendants may face years in prison with no option for suspension, along with drug-specific assessments and significant financial penalties.
Collateral Consequences
A conviction for drug possession in Arizona creates a permanent criminal record that affects nearly every aspect of your life long after you have served your time. These are the "hidden" penalties my firm works to help you avoid:
- Employment: Difficulty obtaining or maintaining professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, real estate).
- Housing: Exclusion from certain rental properties and public housing.
- Education: Loss of eligibility for federal student aid, grants, and scholarships.
- Immigration Status: A drug conviction can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.
- Civil Rights: Loss of your right to possess a firearm.
- Automobile: Mandatory suspension of your driver's license, even if the crime did not involve a vehicle.
Common Defenses for Drug Possession Charges in Phoenix
Defending against a drug possession charge involves a thorough review of both legal and factual issues. In Phoenix, strong defenses often challenge the legality of the initial stop, whether the search and seizure were valid, and whether law enforcement handled evidence according to legal standards.
As a former prosecutor and seasoned drug possession lawyer in Phoenix, I know how cases are built and where the prosecution is most vulnerable. We meticulously review all details, from police reports to timelines and lab results, to ensure that your constitutional rights were honored throughout the investigation.
Depending on the situation, other defenses can include establishing that you were unaware of the drug’s presence, demonstrating a valid prescription, or exposing violations of Arizona Revised Statutes and Phoenix Police Department procedures.
At The Koplow Law Firm, we systematically examine police actions, forensic testing, and evidentiary protocols, always seeking every available avenue to challenge the prosecution’s narrative in Maricopa County courts. My philosophy is to keep clients fully engaged and informed, so you always know your options for seeking a dismissal, reduction, or resolution aligned with Phoenix legal realities.
Our Strategy for Phoenix Drug Possession Cases
With over 25 years of legal practice, I lead The Koplow Law Firm by focusing on strategic defense, comprehensive rights protection, and consistently pursuing positive outcomes for those charged with drug possession in Phoenix.
Here’s how our approach makes a difference:
- Proactive Defense: Analyzing every detail of your case allows us to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
- Personalized Attention: You receive legal advice that is tailored to your life circumstances and case details.
- Legal & Forensic Knowledge: Drawing on our relationships with forensic professionals and experience with Phoenix crime labs, we build a strong, evidence-based defense.
- Continuous Learning: We keep pace with evolving drug laws and Maricopa County court practices to offer the most current defense strategies.
Every case is truly individual. We gather a wide range of evidence from witnesses and technical forensic analyses, leaving no avenue unexplored in pursuit of your legal rights. My firm’s dedication to preparedness and client support has helped us secure positive outcomes for many individuals in Phoenix and the surrounding communities.
Take the Next Step: Secure Your Defense with a Drug Possession Lawyer in Phoenix
If you’re facing a drug possession charge in Phoenix, don’t delay seeking effective legal counsel. Contact The Koplow Law Firm today. My legal team and I, led by Lawrence Koplow, are prepared to guide you with clarity, compassion, and professionalism throughout each stage of your case.
Call us at (602) 560-7837 for a personalized consultation and begin taking control of your future.
Hear From the People We’ve Helped
Testimonials and Reviews
At The Koplow Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
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"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
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"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.